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Faculty Resources

Common research-related resources for faculty

infographic that states "Open Educational Resources are techniques, materials, and tools used for teaching and learning and research shared under public domain or open license for re-use. Education is sharing. Redistribute, retain, ruse, revise, and remix materials. Oer transforms access affordability, and learning."

The terms "open content" and "open educational resources" describe any copyrightable work (traditionally excluding software, which is described by other terms like "open source") that is either (1) in the public domain or (2) licensed in a manner that provides everyone with free and perpetual permission to engage in the 5R activities:

  1. Retain - make, own, and control a copy of the resource (e.g., download and keep your own copy)
  2. Revise - edit, adapt, and modify your copy of the resource (e.g., translate into another language)
  3. Remix - combine your original or revised copy of the resource with other existing material to create something new (e.g., make a mashup)
  4. Reuse - use your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource publicly (e.g., on a website, in a presentation, in a class)
  5. Redistribute - share copies of your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource with others (e.g., post a copy online or give one to a friend)

Find Open Textbooks

There is no shortage of places to find OER. These are a few places to start your search, but feel free to use other resources to your advantage. Bigger libraries often have a librarian dedicated specifically to open education resource pursuits, so checking out their guides could be fruitful.

Open Textbook Repositories (a select list)

OER Metafinders

Evaluating OER

Just as you wouldn't use a textbook in a course without evaluating it, you shouldn't use open educational resources without a thorough evaluation. In Abbey Elder's book (linked above) she provides an entire chapter on Evaluating OER. She also links to a helpful Google Doc checklist adapted from the criteria on the Affordable Learning Georgia.

Here are a few other resources for evaluating OER.

Vogel Library, Wartburg College   |   100 Wartburg Blvd, Waverly, IA, 50677 |   Phone: 319-352-8500   | Email: asklibrarian@wartburg.edu